SURGERY SEPTEMBER 2018

[JacqB]

Thanks Alex Ffs! is my absolute favourite. Made me laugh out loud. 😂 X

[Xela]

Oh JacqB ffs!!! 🤦‍♀️ Big hugs hun. Xx

[JacqB]

So! To go with the square boob I now have nerve pain a seroma and cording! It’s a flippin hat trick. I’m just thankful for Pinot Grigio 😬

[JacqB]

@Xela Sending gentle hugs 🤗 hope the pills do the job 🤞

[Xela]

Hi all, started with infection last night 😫. Took my
Bra off and it just felt like my breast just grew and my
Bra had been digging in. So immediately I realised my breast was very swollen. Also I had a large red patch at the bottom of my breast and it was warm. Generally started to feel fluey. Luckily I had 2 antibiotics, took one immediately and one early this morning. I called the breast clinic first thing, it was my consultants clinic so he squeezed me in. He had a look and sent me for a scan. Then scan, which to my relief showed no fluid just the start of cellulitis. consultant then gave me another course of antibiotics. Though he said if it’s not better by Wednesday, then he will admit me straight away to administer the antibiotics 😱intravenously. Fingers crossed. He’s also booked me in to see him Next Monday. Oh well another hurdle to cross. We just get used to it, don’t we???? Alex xx

[MrsLET]

Good luck to those having surgery today xxx

[JacqB]

Good luck with your surgeries today ladies. Sending virtual hugs and healing thoughts your way.
Jacq x

[Sib]

Good luck helenann, my immediate reconstruction site us right like you. Xxx

[Xela]

Sib, Chocxie and Heleann be thinking of you all tomorrow. Try and let us know, when you’re up to it, how you’re big hugs 🤗 xxx Alex xxx

[ladybowler]

Sib

Just wanted to wish you all the very best for tomorrow

helena xxx

[helenann]

Hi Sib - good luck for tomorrow - my surgery is tomorrow as well - right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - feeling very nervous - doubt I'll get anysleep tonight. Hope all goes well for you.😘

Love

Helen

xxx

[helenann]

Hi Chocxie7 - Just wanted to wsih you good luck for tomorrow.🍀.

I've been having major wobbles today/tonight.

Got back from holiday last night so had quite a busy day today with washing, shoping, ironing etc - but then started to pack my hospital bag and was putting my post surgery bra in and I suddenly felt really overwhelmed and weepy.😪.

I'm also starting to worry about he surgery and how I'll cope etc etc - my mind has gone into overdrive.

Hope you managed to get some rest over the weekend after finishing work.

Will post as soon as possible after surgery.

Sending you love and positive vibes.❤

[Xela]

Yep that’s what I had a
High pain threshold but I was shouting for pain relief in recovery🤦‍♀️. I now have an infection but luckily I’ve got 2 antibiotics so take one now and one in the morning then off to the breast clinic at the Hospital tomorrow!

[Sib]

Hi Xela, fingers crossed you only need Tamoxifen. Read a few interesting comments regarding results, my biopsy and mastectomy/lymph results were back within 7 days (i live in Scotland) clearly huge differences in each region.
I am expecting to be in hospital 8 days, 2 days in high dependency and further 5 to 6 on ward, will have 4 drains , 2 each side. Had a drain with first mastectomy so know how debilitating they are, but my main concern is the recovery from the diep on stomach and the pain. Used to have a high pain threshold but after 14 months of treatments i wince at the slightest thing.
Good luck and hugs to all going through surgery this week. Xxx

[Xela]

When is it JaqcB? Yep we’ve all ended up in places we never wanted to be or believed we’d have to go and I’m so sorry it’s another one for you. Big hugs and all us ladies are giving you virtual 🤗.

[JacqB]

Just received my appointment for the Lymphedema Clinic, it’s held at the local hospice! It’s a place I had hoped never to have to visit and I really don’t want to go 😬

[Xela]

Hi Sib, so you’ve been through a hell of a lot already!

My recovery is going well but I’ve had no other treatement before my mastectomy. I was supposed to have just Lumpectomy, rads and tamoxifen but not to be. They found more tumours in my breast after MRI and further biopsy.

I had my last drain out this morning so that’s makes
You feel so much better.

I have to wait a further 3 weeks, for result of lymph and breast tissue biopsy. Fingers crossed it’s just going to be Tamoxifen but what will be will be.

I was only in hospital 24 hours. I was given the option of a further night but I wanted to get home. Though I have got my sister here for 2 weeks, waiting on me hand and foot, plus she’s a GP. If she wasn’t I think I’d of stayed in a further night!

Big hugs xxx

[JacqB]

Thank you for the advice re “urgent” ladies. It hadn’t even crossed my mind that it was more a directive for the schedulers than anything else. Makes sense though. 😊
Great that your drains are finally gone Alex, such a relief.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Xx

[Sib]

Thanks Xela, first mastectomy was ok, also had lymph clearance, was in hospital 3 nights driving in 3 weeks and well enough for chemo to start after 4 weeks. But i think i was fitter then, chemo has taken a lot out of me and letrozole has given me painful joints so moving is already more difficult before tummy surgery. How is your recovery going? How long were you in hospital? X

[Xela]

Hello all. Was anyone having their op today?

Yippee got rid of the ball and chain last drain out. No more sleeping with a handbag! 🤣. I can now have a bath 🛀. Which I’m about to do.

BCN was delighted with my wound healing. The neatness of the large wound was excellent. Looks like it’s going to be a very light scar. Just going to keep the micropore on it to keep the scar flat.

Big Hugs Alex xxx

[Xela]

JacqB totally agrees with Lady Bowler. When they sent me for an MRI, it was stated on my letter to my
GP, it was for an urgent scan. As Lady Bowler says, it’s just standard when having BC, you become priority. But yes it did take my breathe away, a bit, when I read urgent. Though it’s more comforting to know that we’re priority!! Big hugs xxx

[Xela]

Good luck Sib. I had right mascectomy with immediate reconstruction with implant last Thursday. How did your first one go? Big
Hugs
Xx

[Sib]

Hi all, having right mastectomy and bilateral diep on Monday 24th. Left mastectomy was july 2017, have brca2 gene. Very very nervous and worried about pain/recovery. Just hate this cancer malarkey and the damage/change it has made to my body. X

[ladybowler]

JacqB

I wonder if she meant that she was putting you on the urgent "2 week rule" for a scan, rather you having to wait several weeks by being put on the routine wiating list.  I have found that when you have bc and you are having anything checked out they will use the rule regardless so that you are given priority because of your diagnosis but it does not mean that there is anything sinister xx

[JacqB]

Good morning All
Had my surgery follow up appointment yesterday. It was interesting because I was not seen by my surgeon but by his colleague. I explained my feelings about my square boob and although the surgeon refused to comment on the work of a colleague, she did say that my result is unusual and that I can have revision surgery when I am ready after radiotherapy to give me a more natural shape. She also informed me that I have cancer in five of the lymph nodes removed so will need four more rounds of chemo and an urgent scan. I hate that she said urgent as I’m now fixated on that and feeling very anxious 😟
I hope everyone is recovering well and send best wishes to those having surgery in the next few days.
Stay strong ladies and thank you for listening.
Jacq x

[Chocxie7]

Hi Helenann
That must be a relief, I know exactly how you feel, I am absolutely paranoid that I will get a cold.
Good luck for Monday x

[Xela]

Hi Louise, welcome to us lot!! Are you saying that you’re nervous about the tissue in both breasts and you want it all gone but using tissue from your stomach?

I just had the tumours in my right breast, I had grade 2 invasive ducts carcinoma Er&Pr 8 HER 2 -. Because I had more than one tumour I had to have Mascectomy and I opted for immediate implant. I know that 2 tumours were 10mm and 13mm. I had lymph node biopsy but I won’t have those results for another 3 weeks. But hopefully I will just be put on to Tamoxifen. I have been put forward to the Genetics team for Brca test.

My reasons for immediate implant, were, I wanted quick surgery, with quickest recovery. I have always had it instilled into me by sister whose a Dr, that you get in and get out!

I also don’t know if I will be able to take the worrying about my other breast. My cousin has just had both of her breasts removed due to tumours in both. So if I do take the Brca test - as you have to got through the psychological counselling before you take it.
Even if negative the results are negative. I think I will push for the 2nd Breast mastectomy. I suffer quite badly from anxiety, so it makes sense.

I was never pushed to leave the hospital and told I could stay 2 nights but I just wanted to get home. But I do have my sister staying with me for 2 weeks and waiting on my hand and foot.

It’s such a personal decision but I just want it out, so I can get healthy and fit again, so no cancer will be given the chance to appear!!

[Xela]

Oh that’s great new Helenann, aren’t sisters great? Xxx

[LouiseC14]

Dear all

Just wondering if anyone can help or provide advice??? I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast in Dec 2016. It was low grade, small and had not spread to the lymph nodes. I had wle and clearance of the margins, plus radiotherapy and Tamoxifen. I was then diagnosed with DCIS in the left breast in May 2018. After 2 rounds of surgery the margins are still not clear, so I'm opting for a mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction, but the question is whether I should go for a bilateral mastectomy? There is enough tummy tissue, and better symmetry will be achieved, and it will eliminate anxieties about breast cancer returning. But there are also risks with a longer operation, and my right breast is considered "treated"...I feel that it is tainted! Any advice would be greatly received. Best wishes to all xxx

[helenann]

Hi girls - thank you so much for all your support - I don't know you but feel like I love you❤. I don't know if you both seen my post about mosquito bites and how worried I was about my surgery possibly being delayed- I know you did Alex- I've had a reply from the nurses on this site who have reassured me it should be ok as long as I don't let any of them get Infected- so am very relieved- I'm at my sister's place in the south of France now and she has all sorts of remedies- and the bites are looking less angry already, so hopefully should all be healed by Monday.
Getting mega anxious about op now as the day draw nearer - brain in overdrive.week 😜
Wish it was this time next week.
Love you all 😍xxx

[Xela]

I forgot to add, that’s exactly what I felt like putting my life on hold and couldn’t wait for my surgery day to come. Wishing our life away whilst having cancer is crazy. Try and go for walks, read
And catch up on Tv as I really don’t feel like watching much post op. Xxx

[Xela]

Oops yep of it’s Monday!! I will be thinking of you both then. Yes what a relief Friday will be.

Lots of events on and more to come as it’s Breast Cancer awareness month in October. We’re smack bang in he middle of it all having our operations around this time xxx

[Chocxie7]

Hi Alex, thanks for the reply. I think I 've confused you slightly though. Helenann and I are having surgery on Monday, I just can't wait until Friday to finish work.
I slept really well last night. I did wake up around 5, but got back to sleep - never happens! I'm looking forward to getting loads of rest.
I know it's all because of the amazing Macmillan events, but I'm finding I can't look anywhere without being reminded of cancer at the moment. I just feel like hiding for a while, I wish I could fast forward to this time next week.

[Xela]

Chocxie best of luck on Friday!! It can’t come quick enough. Funnily the day 2nd day before and the day before surgery I had the best two nights sleep I’d had in weeks! I hope it’s same for you. This time last week I was so delighted to be having surgery as I had mine last Thursday. I can’t wait for Friday either because it’s my last drain coming out and my bandages changed. I’ll be thinking of you and Helenann on Friday. Big hugs Alex
Xxx

[Chocxie7]

Hi All, especially helenann as we are having surgery on the same day, although I'm not having an immediate reconstruction.
I'm getting really nervous now, but just want this week over. Going in to work is probably the best thing for me to be doing as I think I'd go crazy at home on my own, but I've had enough now and can't wait until 5pm on Friday.
I hope everyone else is recovering well x

[willowherb]

Cas21

I was the same as you last week.  The wire was done under local , so no pain there and it doesn't wear off for ages.  The injection , I am told can sting a bit, but because the wire had been done I was numb anyway so didn't feel a thing.

As soon as I came round they were checking on my pain levels and topping me up if I needed it. I left with instructions on how to take (and in what combinations) ibuprofen/codeine/paracetomol. Codeine was all I was given by the hospital to take away as they don't hand out free Paracetomol /Ibuprofen now, so make sure you have some in at home ready.

The hospital were so insistent on minimising pain, so don't worry - just ask if you are any discomfort at all - even if it a headache!

I have been lucky so far as I have only had pain sporadically and paracetomol has sorted it when necessary. I have taken codeine as well to go to bed on - juts in case.  I suspect the pain/dicomfort  levels will change as the nerves regenerate

[JacqB]

@Linda17
I know exactly what you mean, we pull it all together for a while and people say how well we are doIng, they don’t see the effort it takes and the tiredness after. But I do find it’s worth it to get up, get dressed and get out for a taste of normality.
@MrsLet gravel graze is such a good description of how my arm feels, I’ve also got a big swelling under my armpit scar, a seroma I think. I see the surgeon on Thursday so am hoping all is ok.
Stay strong ladies 💪

[JacqB]

Hi Cas21
All best wishes for your surgery on Friday. I had pretty much the same as you including the wire guide and found that pain was not a problem. Don’t worry too much, hospitals are great at pain relief if you need it but you may well not 😊
Keep us updated on your recovery.
Jacq x

[Cas21]

Hi JacqB

I am having surgery on Friday. A wide margin excision and removal of some lymph nodes. On the morning of surgery I have to have a wire marker inserted and later radioactive material injected to show sentinel glands.  day case hopefully.

I am very worried about pain both in the morning and after the surgery.

I hope your surgery has gone well today.  Huigs for you x

[Xela]

Hi Helenann, yes it went v well thanks. One drain out and hopefully the other one out on Friday.

Exactly the same operation as me. Are you having a Lymph node biopsy as well?

My recovery has been very good so far. I did have the advantage, of having some idea what breast
surgery was like, as I had 2 reconstructions 10 years before. But this time the psychological bit is entirely different and I won’t lie, this did hurt more. I was constantly asking for pain relief when I came around in the recovery area. I also kept it topped up during the night.

now it just feels a little swollen and I have the feeling that I need to breast feed! I don’t know if you have ever breast fed but that’s how it feels, when you’re full and you need to feed your baby! 🤣. Obviously this will settle down.

My consultant is very pleased with my progress and I’m sure yours will run very smoothly, you will do fantastic and it will be over in no time. Any questions you want to know about my surgery just ask xxx Alex xx

[helenann]

Hi Alex- hope all went well for you today.
My surgery is next Monday- right mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction.
Getting scared now as the day is getting nearer. ☹

[Linda17]

That's just how I feel MrsLET, everyone keeps telling me how well I look but I just don't feel like I'm recovering fast enough (I'm very impatient).  I actually went out for lunch for the first time on Saturday with some of my work colleagues and they all said how well I looked.  I felt a bit guilty because I thought they might think if I could go to that then I could go back to work!  By the time I got home I had such bad backache that I wished I hadn't gone.  I have also had times when I have wished I'd not had the reconstruction and just stayed flat but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.  I think in another 4 weeks I will wonder why I was being so silly!

[MrsLET]

Oh Jacq, you’ve almost described how I feel. Although as you know I’ve had the so called balancing surgery, my new foob is a very odd shape indeed. The bit that struck home though is the armpit on fire!! I’m so with you there. All under my arm put and down the back of my arm (where my bingo wing is) is so sore it feels like a gravel graze. Add to that the big lump I seem to have under my bra strap where they’ve done the LD Flap. Everyone keeps telling me how great I look (even face timed into a work meeting this morning to say hi) but underneath I feel rubbish at the moment. Spent a lot of the weekend wishing I’d just gone flat.

HelenAnn, my consultant talks a lot about grieving the death of your boob and learning to love the new foob. Hope all goes well with your surgery. Xx

[Xela]

Helenann what a fabulous way to put it. I was mourning more my nipple than my boob. Though since I’ve spoken to a lady who does fantastic prosthetic nipples. They’re so realistic, you glue them on for up to 3 days and you can even swim in them!
I’ve just had a mascectomy with an implant. Very pleased so far. Of to the clinic this afternoon to have my drains and bandages looked at. When’s your surgery? Alex xxx

[helenann]

Hi all. I so agree it's great to have this forum where you don't feel you have to be brave and hide your true feelings.
I feel particularly sad today as it's my right boobs last Monday of being here and I'm quite attached to it after 62 years. I feel like its on deaths row counting down it's days to execution. But I have to tell myself the reason it's on death row is because what's in there now is a killer so it's the only way to go. 👍

[Xela]

KateDay, yes it’s marvellous on here, everyone will try and help in anyway they can. It’s nice that we can escape to a world where everyone understands exactly what we’re going through. It’s a special place. Xx Alex xx

[Kateday]

I will do thank you
This group even just reading posts really helps
It’s funny your friends and family know your diagnosis and try and understand but it’s hard for them to understand and I have always been the strong one brave face for my girls and husband so it’s good to have somewhere to talk x

[JacqB]

@Flossie13
Hi, please dont apologise for joining the conversation. It’s good to hear from you although I’m sorry that you’ve had problems with your original surgery. I too am planning private balancing surgery when everything has settled after rads as I can’t imagine ever getting used to my current shape. Unfortunately the surgeon has simple cut off the front of my boob leaving a very square half boob. No attempt has been made to leave even a vaguely boob shape. It even has a corner where the scar is puckered at the end! The sad thing is my surgeon is a renowned plastic surgeon. I can’t imagine it will change shape much as there is little swelling and it is not a reconstruction. I wear a prosthesis and in clothes you would never know, but I can’t even bear to look at the square skin flap he’s left me with. I wish I’d had a mastectomy. A lot will depend on the outcome of my treatment but I will be saving hard for private surgery and also hoping that Somerset changes it’s stance on funding.
All best wishes to you
Jacq x

[Flossie13]

Hi JacqB, diversifying somewhat and sorry for jumping into the thread. I’m from the Somerset area too. I had a mastectomy in June after long term problems with lymphoedema after a WLE 8 years ago.

I had previously discussed reduction with my surgeon because after radiotherapy my breast ended up a lot smaller than my ‘normal’ one. At the time I had other health issues so decided not to go ahead with it-what a mistake because now you have to jump through hoops to get it.

Well my surgeon said all those who have applied for funding didn’t get it, however he did say watch this space!

 I am now looking at going privately next year for a reduction. Reconstruction is not an option for me. However I’m left wearing a large prosthesis that’s fits badly in a bra so reduction surgery it is. 

Written to my MP who wasn’t particularly helpful. 

Hopefully your boob will settle into a reason shape. I wore a balance prosthesis to even myself up.

Good luck. X

[JacqB]

@Xela
I’m not really bothered about losing the nipple so I wouldn’t want a prosthetic one and anyway it would be a bit like sticking a cherry on a turd! Excuse my language but that’s how I’m feeling ATM. I’m just in a really bad place right now. My arm nerves are on fire from the node clearance, I’m not sleeping very well and I’ve got a painful swelling under my armpit scar. I hate being so miserable but that’s just how it is! The good thing is that I get to moan about it here. I’m trying to put on a positive face for my nearest and dearest so this is a good outlet for my moaning!! Another plus is that my fridge is full of really good Italian wine so I’m indulging in a glass or two.
How are you doing?
Jacq x